The State of Software Buying in 2026

Growing budgets, rising scrutiny, and adoption challenges are redefining what it takes to win and retain software buyers, as AI adds new complexity to how solutions are evaluated

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Software buying in 2026 is defined by a clear shift. While budgets are growing, success is becoming harder to achieve.

Buyers are more cautious, expectations are higher, and poor implementation can quickly turn a purchase into regret.

At the same time, AI is adding new complexity to how buyers evaluate solutions. Beyond features, buyers are assessing how solutions deliver value, integrate into existing systems, and support real business outcomes.

This report explores the realities behind today's software purchase decisions, from increasing investment to widespread disruption during adoption. It highlights a critical gap between buying software and successfully adopting it, and what that means for vendors trying to drive long-term growth.

Based on insights from G2 Digital Markets' 2026 Software Buying Trends Survey of 3,385 global decision makers, this report uncovers how organizations are researching software, what drives successful adoption, and where vendors are falling short.

Download the report to learn:

  • What drives successful adoption versus disruption and regret
  • What are the most influential sources when buyers are doing software research
  • Why implementation is a critical risk point and why it should be turned into a strength
  • How AI is adding new considerations in the evaluation process
Get the 2026 report

Key insights

  • 77% of organizations plan to increase software spend in 2026, signaling strong demand but higher expectations
  • Only 1 in 3 buyers successfully adopt new software without disruption or regret
  • 61% of buyers experienced implementation disruption in the past 18 months, making adoption a major risk area
  • Successful adopters usually focus and engage with three vendors and decide on a product within 3 months